" Yoga mana prashmana upayah"
The above line was said to Lord Rama by his teacher, Guru Vashishta, in a class at gurukul, which means that ‘A silent and peaceful mind is a remedy to everything’. Yoga literally means ‘Union’. This union is of mind and body with the consciousness through the array of intelligence bestowed to human beings. A point to note here is that your perspective plays a pivotal role in connecting with the supreme reality of the universe. To do so, majorly two kinds of yoga are practiced, Hatha Yoga, which involves various physical postures, and Raja yoga expatiates to watch your thoughts without judgment. Both techniques require guidelines from experts and calm environs conducive for learning them better. Himachal Pradesh has many yoga and meditation centers offering courses to acquire and apply the distinctive knowledge in life.
Buddha teaching, too, asserts the importance of meditation to realize the diabolical dance of the mind, so that one could set himself free from overthinking that paralyzes the productivity of the body. As Buddhism prevails at the alpines of Himachal Pradesh, the equipoised teaching is observed by monks and nuns at the monasteries of the hill state.
Seeing a hike in the interest of people seeking for a spiritual retreat, away from the hullabaloo of their daily routine to bring positivity and composure to the mind, in turn to the body too, travel companies now have many packages that include staying at the Yoga and Meditation resorts of Himachal Pradesh.
We have chosen a few of the famous Yoga and Meditation retreats for you that offers rejuvenating courses.
OM yoga ashram
Travel 2 km from the Little Lhasa town, Mcloedganj, you will find this yoga and meditation center near the hill side of Dal lake. The center is surrounded by the verdant forests of deodar and pine trees, plus have a rivulet flowing at the back of the center. Center lies quite near the temple of the His Holiness Dalai Lama. As, usually, people from outside Dharmashala come here for revitalizing sessions. Hence, they are given free time in the evening to explore the hill station according to their fancy.
Location? Dharmashala, Himachal Pradesh
When is it open? All months of the year
Divya Yog Research Foundation
This yoga center has a research department, which deals with the cure for many diseases such as Arthritis, Hypertension. Constipation, Asthma, Impotency, et al. Ayurvedic doctors along with Yoga specialists curate the treatment procedure for the patients. The procedure consists of daily medicines, Ayurvedic massages, allocated yoga asana and a diet chart. Patients also partake in meditation classes on daily basis.
Location? Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
When is it open? All months of the year
Rediscover thyself
This exclusive yoga retreat offers weekly and fortnightly courses rendering Yoga classes, meditation classes, spiritual sessions, sattvic food, and other recreational activities. It is an apt center for the people who wish to begin their Yogic journey. The place has special courses for children that proffers kids with a rejoicing experience. Other than that, when there are no courses running at the yogic institute, it gets converted into a luxury homestay. People can book the stay and have a royal experience of materialistic as well as nature’s luxury as the retreat is located at a surreal location, surrounded by forests and majestic snow-capped mountains.
Location? Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
When is it open? April to November
Mahi Yoga center
Rediscover yourself in a holistic way at this retreat. They have courses of durations 200hr, 300hr and 500hr, to be chosen by comers at the center. Trained yoga instructors guide you through the teachings of the Hatha and Ashtanga yoga. Food plays an important role in having the well-being of the body and mind, and this cardinal feature is taken care of by the instructors. Thus, according to the medical and mental history of a person, a diet plan is curated for him. This retreat also has a prominent Yoga Teacher Training Institute associated with the Government of India.
Apart from Himachal instate also has its branches in Goa, Rishikesh and Thailand.
Location? McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
When is it open? All the months of a year.
Manali Iyengar Yoga Retreat
A center in the lavishness of the Kullu valley, nestles about 13 km from the resort town, Manali. The exact name of the place where this center is built up is Mansari village. Accommodation and meals are provided by the center only. All you need to do is diligently follow the teacher’s guidelines to help you heal your mind and body. Apart from yoga and meditation, human anatomy sessions are also given here for a better understanding of the working of the body.
Location? Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
When is it open? All the months of a year.
Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre
Apparently, it is the most famous yoga center in Himachal Pradesh. This yoga retreat has immensely trained instructors who have been practicing the art of tranquility for many years. The center toggles its working among two places. In summers, it is run in the quaint and serene Kangra valley at Dahramakot. However, in winters the center shifts to Arambol, Goa.
The institute offers short courses rendering basic 5-days guidance, as well as 15-days long intense yoga courses. They also have a one-day crash course for people. Apart from yoga and meditation, the center has an ayurvedic treatment set up to help people with their ailments.
Location: Dharamkot, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
When is it open? From April to October
Daily routine at a Yoga center
The above disciplines ought to bring a balance in one’s life, which is the prime goal of Yoga. It helps to unite with the consciousness that makes existence possible in the universe.